Remote workers could save up to 40% by choosing to work in a pub, rather than a coworking space, a new study has revealed.
The research, from Alliance Online, analysed the coworking deals offered by six major UK pub chains, before comparing prices with five nationwide coworking spaces.
They identified that the average daily cost to work from a pub is just £13 – 40% cheaper than the average cost of a desk in a coworking space, at £22. However, the research also revealed that working from a pub is only cheaper if you’re doing it as a one-off. If you were to ‘WFP’ every day over a month, it would cost £390 – 54% more expensive than the average monthly coworking membership, at £253.
| Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | |
| Pub average | £13 | £390 |
| Coworking space average | £22 | £253 |
All the pubs provide guests with free wifi and unlimited tea and coffee, while some also offer breakfast or lunch as part of their deal. Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online has provided three tips to make sure you get the most out of your money ‘WFP’:
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Timing is key
Make sure to get to your chosen pub as soon as possible – aim to arrive during off-peak hours as this is when it will be less crowded. Getting there during off-peak hours will not only prevent it from being too crowded, but it will ensure that you get the most out of your money to use the unlimited wifi and refreshments. Pubs usually open mid-morning, making it the prime time to begin your working day.
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Understand your environment
If you’re opting to work from a pub, understand that your environment will be different to a designated working space. The nature of a pub is that there will be hustle and bustle whilst you work. Recent research has shown that background noise may be beneficial to your work productivity, making working from a pub the ideal location to stay focused. While some people may work effectively during background noise, some may not, so be prepared and bring headphones to block out any potential distractions.
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Take advantage of the freebies!
All the pubs we analysed provided unlimited wifi and a choice of tea and coffee throughout your stay – make sure to use these! This is included in what you pay so it’s important you get the most out of your stay. For your hot drink, try to use one mug throughout your stay instead of using multiple. Minimising the use of multiple mugs helps streamline the dishwashing process, saving time and labour for the hospitality staff.
These findings have been released to increase awareness of potential cheaper alternatives for remote workers amid the cost of living crisis. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact UK workers, causing increased financial stress and negatively affecting mental wellbeing, finding more affordable solutions to our daily work lives can help ease the burden. Working from a pub is a great way to reduce expenses while still enjoying the benefits of a productive work environment.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.